Qatar Poultry Meat Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2030

Qatar Poultry Meat Market Analysis

The Qatar Poultry Meat Market size is estimated at 439 million USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 460.9 million USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 0.98% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

Qatar's poultry meat industry is experiencing significant transformation driven by changing consumer preferences and digital adoption. The country's robust digital infrastructure, evidenced by a 99% internet penetration rate in 2023, has revolutionized how consumers purchase poultry products. This digital transformation has particularly benefited online food delivery platforms, which witnessed a 41% increase in revenues during 2020-2021. The integration of technology has enabled retailers to offer more sophisticated delivery options, improved tracking systems, and enhanced customer service, leading to a more efficient supply chain and better consumer experience.

The tourism sector's recovery has significantly impacted the poultry meat industry's growth trajectory. Qatar welcomed approximately 730,000 visitors in January and February 2023 alone, marking a substantial 347% increase from the previous year. This surge in tourism has driven demand across various distribution channels, particularly in the foodservice sector. Hotels, restaurants, and catering services have expanded their poultry offerings to cater to diverse international tastes, leading to increased demand for both traditional and innovative poultry products.

The retail landscape for poultry meat has undergone substantial modernization, with supermarkets and hypermarkets emerging as dominant players in the off-trade channel, accounting for 50.47% of distribution in 2022. This shift reflects changing consumer preferences for organized retail formats that offer superior hygiene standards, better packaging, and a more comfortable shopping experience. Major retailers have responded by expanding their retail poultry sections, introducing new product varieties, and implementing stricter quality control measures to maintain consumer trust and satisfaction.

The industry is witnessing significant changes in consumption patterns, partly driven by the increasing participation of women in the workforce, which reached 16.1% in 2022. This demographic shift has led to greater demand for convenient, ready-to-cook processed poultry products and value-added offerings. The market has responded with innovations in packaging, portion sizes, and preparation methods, while maintaining adherence to halal standards and local preferences. Retailers and manufacturers are increasingly focusing on product differentiation through quality certifications, organic options, and innovative processing techniques to meet evolving consumer demands.

Qatar Poultry Meat Market Trends

Increased domestic production is driving market growth

• The poultry production in Qatar increased by 31.01% from 2019 to 2021, reaching 35,373 tons in 2021. Poultry meat production observed a favorable growth rate of 1.68% in 2021 compared to the previous year. The government is also taking initiatives to increase domestic poultry production, as the country's per capita consumption of poultry meat is high. This has resulted in an increased demand for organic and free-range products in Qatar.
• However, the production of poultry declined by 27.35% in 2022 compared to the previous year. Because the number of animals slaughtered for poultry production in Qatar declined drastically. Although Qatar's meat processing industry is well developed overall, from the fattening and slaughter of sheep and cattle to the production and distribution of meat products, it is underdeveloped in animal feed, breeding, and fattening across all animal categories. Qatar imports most of its animal feed because the inputs and feedstock needed to manufacture animal feed are not readily available locally. Since Qatar cannot compete on price for frozen poultry, it must be imported from nations like Australia, Brazil, the United States, India, etc.
• Qatar Meat Production Co., Freshmeat Factory, and Al Quisaimi Meat Co. were the major companies with an annual production of 6,000, 4,000, and 3,000 metric tons, respectively, in Qatar, as of 2022. Qatar's government is investing in research and development in poultry production to enhance productivity, disease prevention, and animal welfare. Partnerships with foreign agricultural institutions and universities are frequently sought to maximize experience and knowledge.

Changes in global trade patterns and import regulations affected the poultry price

• The price of poultry meat in Qatar increased by 1.77% in 2022 compared to the previous year. Poultry meat price is primarily driven by increasing poultry production and imports. Qatar heavily relies on poultry meat imports to meet its demand. Changes in global trade patterns, import regulations, and exchange rates also affected the availability and prices of imported poultry meat. Chicken meat, with a high regional consumption, is popular in Qatar and constitutes a major dish in the locals' meals. The local Qatari government has assisted poultry producers by providing them with feed and land subsidies and some veterinary services, owing to the demand for poultry.
• The price increase in 2022 is also attributed to the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, with some poultry producers upping their prices in response to increased feed costs. Other feeds, like soy, vitamins, and salts, are not covered by the Qatari government assistance, and their prices have increased globally. In March 2022, the price of a ton of soy surged significantly, going from USD 450 to USD 900 in just one month. As a result, these elements have increased the cost of poultry in the area.
• In 2021, Qatar imported USD 199 million in poultry meat, becoming the world's 40th-largest importer of poultry meat. In the same year, poultry meat was Qatar's 30th most imported product. Turkey (USD 544k), Belgium (USD 261k), the United Kingdom (USD 183k), the Netherlands (USD 161k), and Cape Verde (USD 36.9k) are the main poultry suppliers to Qatar in 2021. On September 29, 2022, Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health published updated precautionary requirements for some imported foodstuffs, lifting a ban on US poultry and poultry products from all US states

Segment Analysis: Form

Fresh/Chilled Segment in Qatar Poultry Meat Market

The fresh poultry segment dominates the Qatar poultry meat market, commanding approximately 58% market share in 2024. This significant market position is driven by strong consumer preference for fresh poultry products, particularly in urban areas where consumers value the quality and freshness of their meat purchases. The segment's dominance is supported by the presence of major slaughterhouses across key locations including Souq Al Wakra Central Market, Al Sheehaniya, Umm Salal, Al Khor, and Al Shamal, which ensure a consistent supply of fresh poultry products. Hotels, restaurants, and foodservice operators are major consumers of fresh poultry in the region, contributing significantly to the segment's market share. The average price for fresh poultry meat remains approximately 10-20% higher than frozen alternatives, reflecting consumers' willingness to pay a premium for fresh poultry products.

Canned Segment in Qatar Poultry Meat Market

The canned poultry segment is projected to demonstrate strong growth potential in the Qatar poultry meat market, with an expected CAGR of approximately 1.2% during 2024-2029. This growth is primarily driven by increasing consumer demand for convenient and long-shelf-life poultry products. Online channels are emerging as a crucial distribution platform for canned poultry products, with consumers increasingly comparing prices, browsing product descriptions, and reading customer reviews to make informed purchasing decisions. The segment's growth is further supported by the expansion of food retail outlets, including hypermarkets and supermarkets, which provide extensive shelf space for canned poultry products. Major players in the market, including Sadia, Al-Wazzan Foodstuff Industries Group, Americana Group, and Fresh Del Monte, are continuously introducing innovative canned poultry products to meet evolving consumer preferences.

Remaining Segments in Form

The frozen poultry and processed poultry segments play vital roles in the Qatar poultry meat market, each catering to distinct consumer needs and preferences. The frozen poultry segment offers a wide range of options, including whole birds, chicken parts, boneless cuts, and value-added products, providing consumers with convenient and long-lasting storage solutions. Major players like Al-Watania, Al Rawdah, and Americana Group are driving innovation in this segment. The processed poultry segment encompasses various value-added products such as nuggets, sausages, and ready-to-cook items, meeting the growing demand for convenient meal solutions among busy urban consumers. Both segments benefit from modern retail infrastructure and cold chain facilities, ensuring product quality and accessibility throughout the country.

Segment Analysis: Distribution Channel

On-Trade Segment in Qatar Poultry Meat Market

The on-trade segment continues to dominate the Qatar poultry meat market, commanding approximately 58% market share in 2024. This significant market position is primarily driven by the robust foodservice sector in Qatar, including restaurants, hotels, and catering services. The segment's strength is reinforced by Qatar's thriving tourism industry and the increasing number of food establishments across the country. The preference for dining out among both locals and expatriates, coupled with the growing popularity of quick-service restaurants and casual dining establishments, has substantially contributed to the segment's dominance. Additionally, the segment benefits from the increasing adoption of food delivery services and the expansion of international restaurant chains in Qatar, which has created a steady demand for cooked poultry products through these channels.

Off-Trade Segment in Qatar Poultry Meat Market

The off-trade segment is projected to exhibit the strongest growth in the Qatar poultry meat market, with an expected CAGR of approximately 1.3% during 2024-2029. This growth trajectory is primarily driven by the rapid expansion of modern retail formats and the increasing penetration of e-commerce platforms in the food retail sector. The segment's growth is further supported by changing consumer preferences towards home cooking and the rising demand for convenient shopping options. The development of cold chain infrastructure and the introduction of innovative packaging solutions have enabled retailers to maintain product quality and extend shelf life, making raw poultry products more accessible through off-trade channels. Additionally, the increasing focus on product diversification and the introduction of value-added poultry products in retail outlets are expected to fuel the segment's growth during the forecast period.

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